Ruth's barley and white bean soup

6 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
½cupSmall white beans -- rinsed
And drained
8cupsWater
2tablespoonsButter
1smallOnion -- finely chopped
2Leeks -- rinsed and sliced
cupPearl barley
1Clove garlic -- minced
1Stalk celery -- finely
Chopped
1mediumCarrot -- shredded
2Ham hocks (about 2 lbs) --
Smoked
1Bay leaf
teaspoonWhite pepper
1cupMilk
Salt (optional)
Chopped parsley (for
Garnish)

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan bring beans and 2 cups of the water to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.

2. In a 5½- to 6-quart kettle or Dutch oven, melt butter. In it cook onion, leeks, and barley until onion is transparent. Stir in garlic, celery, and carrot and cook 2 to 3 minutes. Add ham hocks (or ham bone), remaining 6 cups water, beans and their liquid, bay leaf, and pepper.

3. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer until meat separates easily from bone (2 ½ to 3 hours). Remove ham hocks or ham bone; when they are cool enough to handle remove and discard bones and skin. Discard bay leaf. Return meat in chunks to the soup.

4. Gradually stir in milk and reheat to serving temperature (do not boil).

Salt to taste. Sprinkle each portion with parsley or chives, and serve.

Recipe By : the California Culinary Academy From: Date: 05/27 File